Formal and Informal Leadership

Gary De Carolis

Learning Objectives
Clarify the advantages and limitations of both formal and informal leadership Understand the critical roles of formal and informal leadership to system change; share strategies to lead without authority Gain insight into value of and strategies for partnering between formal and informal leaders Anticipate what to expect from leading both within and outside of the formal leadership role, and risks all leaders face

Participants will explore the following questions:

What are key characteristics of formal leadership and informal leadership? In what situations is each type of leadership appropriate and most effective? How does one gain and use leadership outside of the formal leadership role? How can formal leadership benefit from informal leaders and vice versa? What are risks unique to formal and to informal leadership and what risks do all leaders share?

Formal Leadership
Decision-making responsibility, influence and authority come with the position Respect for the responsibility and authority of the position Many stakeholders are attached to the formal leader Formal leaders often are limited in their ability to move left or right Formal leaders can benefit from informal leaders ability to challenge the status quo
Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers

Formal Leadership: What to Expect

You will be scrutinized by the media, the public, and the power structure You will be alternately flattered, wooed, and threatened by various interests Realizing your vision means partnering with others and practicing the art of compromise As a leader, you will frequently fail someone

Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers and adapted from Leadership Academy

Informal Leadership
Informal leadership requires personal courage and risk-taking Informal leaders create influence and informal authority without the benefit of formal titles Networks of informal leadership can be a powerful force Informal leaders often use creative deviance strategically

Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers and adapted from Leadership Academy

Informal Leadership: What to Expect

You can spark the debate, but you may not be able to orchestrate it You can regulate distress by modulating provocation; gauge when to push and when to let up/slow down You may become a lightning rod for conflict, anger, frustration The formal leader may remove you from the process

Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers and adapted from Leadership Academy

The Risks and Challenges of Leadership

You may be attacked, dismissed, or silenced You may risk your job, your reputation, and your future Attempts may be made to discredit you based on gender, race, cultural background, social standing, economic status, perceived lack of expertise/experience, age, education

Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers and adapted from Leadership Academy

Maximizing Your Leadership

Formal Leaders Use your authority to convene groups that include disparate voices Reach out to informal leaders; they can tell you what others wont and advocate for changes you both support in ways you cant Informal Leaders Listen before acting; ensure that your message is accurate, clear and reflects those on whose behalf you speak and act Offer positive alternatives; criticizing without providing solutions is rarely effective

Growing as a Leader
Keep the vision front and center You will make mistakes The reactions you experience from others often come from fear and misunderstanding Learn to use the balcony and take time for yourself

Based on Heifetz, Leadership Without Easy Answers and adapted from Leadership Academy